DOCSLIB.ORG

Record of Determination

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Transport Scotland Trunk Road and Bus Operations Document: DIRECTIVE 2011/92/EU as amended by DIRECTIVE 2014/52/EU ROADS (SCOTLAND) ACT 1984 (as amended) THE ROADS (SCOTLAND) ACT 1984 (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) REGULATIONS 2017 RECORD OF DETERMINATION Name of Project: A82 870 Ballachulish Location: Ballachulish, Loch Leven Bridge - Five-Year Marine Licence NN 05195 59797 Description of Project: As part of the 4G NW contract with Transport Scotland for the management and maintenance of the Scottish trunk road network, BEAR Scotland (NW Unit) are responsible for maintenance and improvement works on the bridge. The Ballachulish Bridge is a two-lane steel truss road bridge that carries the A82 trunk road across Loch Leven as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: Ballachulish Bridge The following maintenance works are proposed to be undertaken on the Ballachulish Bridge over the next five years: Carriageway and footpath resurfacing Bearing Replacement 2 Transport Scotland Trunk Road and Bus Operations Document: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION: SUMMARY Issue Baseline Conditions Impact Mitigation Air and Climate There are approximately eight residential properties During the construction phase air quality impacts are likely to stem Plant, machinery and vehicles associated with the works will have engines switched off when not in north-east of the scheme within 200m and five from construction vehicles and plant on-site as well dust as a use in order to minimise emissions: residential properties witin 200m south of the scheme. result of maintenance activites., impacts on air quality are not anticipated to be significant, provided the the Site Environmental Machinery and vehicles will have been serviced regularly; Management Plan (SEMP) is adhered to and mitigation is There is a small industrial estate with four commercial A traffic management plan will be in place to control the length of time that traffic needs to idle; properties north-east of the scheme within 200m of followed. the scheme. Large material stockpiles will be avoided and drop heights will be minimised to reduce dust; and Due to the short-term nature of the works, GHG emissions from In the event of prolonged periods of dry conditions, work areas will will be dampened down where the scheme are not considered to be significant. appropriate. The contractor will will implement this measure with care to aboid mobilisation of dust that would impact the local air quality. The proposed work is not expected to affect air quality during the operational stage, as it will not result in change in traffic levels or dynamics. Cultural Heritage and Material Assets The Ballachulish Hotel is a category B listed building, The proposed works will be confined to the existing footprint of the . Mitigation as detailed in the Noise and Landscape sections will be adhered to. located approximately 80m south-west of the scheme. bridge structure and access to the Ballachulish Hotel grounds will There are three scheduled monuments within the be prohibited. Significant impacts on cultural heritage and material vicinity of the scheme. The Rubha Mor Cairn is within assets are not anticipated during construction or operation. 200m to the north-west; the Ballachulish Prehistoric Ritual Site is within 200m to the north-east; and the Ballachulish Home Farm Burial Mound is approximately 250m south-west of the scheme. Biodiversity The following good practice measures will be adhered to during the maintenance works: Onich to North Ballachulish Woods Special Area of Without mitigation, there is the potential to disturb birds and otters. Conservation (SAC) is located 1km north of the Activities that have the potential to cause disturbance can include scheme. the use of machinery, vehicles and plant, floodlighting, removal of Implementation of debris netting, protective shelters, containment; and sumps; vegetation and increased human activity. The Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA is 900m to the Ensure that all milling works are carried out during suitable periods of weather; south-east at its closest location. The SPA is Given the localised and temporary nature of the works, and the designated for breeding golden eagle. The nesting, absence of a reasonable pathway to affect the features and the Remove debris from gullies and drains using vacuum truck; breeding and optimal foraging habitat for the golden adherence to mitigation measures and the SEMP, significant eagle are found away from roads and on higher impacts are not anticipated to the Onich to North Ballachulish Double bag guano; elevations. Woods and Shore SSSI or SAC; the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne Contain the underbidge working platform with either debris netting or thickened sheets (if hydro- SPA or St John’s Church SSSI as a result of the proposed demolition); St John's Church SSSI is located 1.5km south-east of maintenance works as confirmed following consultation win SNH the scheme and is designated for its geology. in April 2018 (Shown in Appendix F). Layering floor of working platform to prevent any material or water going through (if hydro-demolition); Terrestrial and aquatic ecology sruveys ecological There were PMFs recorded in the vicinity of the scheme as noted Remove all waste concrete from site; habitat field surveys were undertaken within the study in the ‘Description of the Local Environment’ section. There is Adherence to relevant PPGs and GPPs including GPP5 (works and maintenance in or near water); area in 2016 by BEAR Scotland Environmental team potential for negative impacts on these species in the absence of mitigation measures. Given the nature of the works and adherence and follow-up surveys were undertaken in March Edge protection and toerails to prevent any materials dropping into water. 2018. to the mitigation measures as set out in the ‘Water’ and ‘Waste Material and Use of Natural Resources’ sections, significant Rock armour will be washed and cleaned prior to placement. impacts upon biodiversity are not anticipated as a result of the The surveys recorded the presence of otter spraints maintenance works. on the shoreline to the south-east of the bridge. An organisational otter licence (Number 118944 valid from 10 April 2018) obtained by BEAR Scotland NW Unit There is the potential of impact to otters using the area during the and Species Protection Plan will be followed during the main works until 31 December 2019 to reduce The 2018 surveys identified breeding bird habitat in disturbance to otter; these are included as Appendix F. The contractor must obtain a copy of an updated or the woodland to the south of the bridge but evidence construction phase as a result of pollution and disturbance caused extended organisational licence, or obtain a project-specific one if the organisational one is not updated, for of prior human disturbance was observed. by the presence of plant and machinery, vehicles, floodlighting and increased human activity. This could disruption to normal any works affecting otters after 31 December 2019. Conditions outlined in the licence will be followed by way of foraging routes. A well-used otter spraint was recorded on the Potential roosting and foraging opportunities for bats mitigation. shoreline to the south-east of the bridge during the site walkover. were identified in the woodland to the south of the Therefore, a disturbance licence will be required. bridge. No suitable features to support bats were Otter monitoring surveys will be required if works are conducted that could impact any potential otter couch. identified on the bridge superstructure. Cameras will be deployed for a period of 14 days to monitor the activity of otter. The requirement of these Should any discharge into the marine environment be intended The following PMFs have been recorded in the then a CAR licence will be obtained. Adherence to the good surveys will be dependent on the maintenance work in question and should be taken under the advisement of 15 Transport Scotland Trunk Road and Bus Operations Document: vicinity of the Ballachulish Bridge: practice and management measures, as listed here and in the the BEAR environmental team. Water section in this table, will result in no significant effects on . Kelp and seaweed communities on sublittoral the benthic receptors beneath and adjacent to the bridge, The following mitigation is also proposed: sediment (under the bridge); including PMFs during the construction and operational phases. Tide-swept algal communities (Laminaria Setting up of an exclusion zone of 30m around any potential otter couch; hyperborea on tide-swept infralittoral mixed substrata) on the east and west sides of the Site supervisor will brief all persons on site as part of the induction process to ensure everyone is bridge (approximately 200m away) and further aware of the presence of otter, the mitigation measures and their legal obligations; upstream in Loch Leven; The Otter Toolbox talk will be included in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) and . Horse mussel beds approximately 400m east of the bridge; and delivered to site personnel prior to commencement of works; . Sea loch eggwrack beds in Bishops Bay, A “soft start” will be implemented on the works each day. This will involve checking under/around approximately 800m north-east of the bridge. vehicles and the immediate work area and then switching on vehicles prior to works commencing, with A small watercourse flows down the shore at NN the aim of ensuring no otters or other species, are in the vicinity of
Recommended publications
  • Eat – Stay – See – Fort William.Pdf

    Eat – Stay – See – Fort William.Pdf

    Eat | Stay | See | Fort William If you are visiting Fort William, here are some options for accommodation, with a range to suit every budget. All accommodations are located within central Fort William, or are just a short journey from the train station. Accommodation List | Fort William Inverlochy Castle Myrtle Bank Guest House 5 Star Country House Hotel. Inverlochy is one 4 Star Guest House in a 1890’s Victorian villa located of Scotland’s finest luxury hotels beside Loch Linhe on the South side of Fort William Address: Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN Address: Achintore Rd, Fort William PH33 6RQ Location: 3.6 miles to Tom-na-Faire Station Square Location: 1.1 miles to Tom-na-Faire Station Square Phone: +44 (0)1397 702177 Phone: +44 (0)1397 702034 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.inverlochycastle.com Web: www.myrtlebankguesthouse.co.uk The Grange Huntingtower Lodge 5 Star Bed and Breakfast set high above Loch Linnhe with 4 Star Bed and Breakfast (Gold Green Tourism Award) superb views to the Ardgour hills Address: Druimarbin, Fort William, PH33 6RP Address: The Grange, Grange Road, Fort William, PH33 6JF Location: 2.7 miles to Tom-na-Faire Station Square Location: 1.3 miles to Tom-na-Faire Station Square Phone: +44 (0)1397 700 079 Phone: +44 (0)1397 705 516 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.huntingtowerlodge.com Web: www.grangefortwilliam.com When making a reservation, please mention that Wilderness Scotland have recommended them as a place to stay within Fort William.
  • Site Condition Monitoring for Otters (Lutra Lutra) in 2011-12

    Site Condition Monitoring for Otters (Lutra Lutra) in 2011-12

    Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 521 Site condition monitoring for otters (Lutra lutra) in 2011-12 COMMISSIONED REPORT Commissioned Report No. 521 Site condition monitoring for otters (Lutra lutra) in 2011-12 For further information on this report please contact: Rob Raynor Scottish Natural Heritage Great Glen House INVERNESS IV3 8NW Telephone: 01463 725000 E-mail: [email protected] This report should be quoted as: Findlay, M., Alexander, L. & Macleod, C. 2015. Site condition monitoring for otters (Lutra lutra) in 2011-12. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 521. This report, or any part of it, should not be reproduced without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. This permission will not be withheld unreasonably. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage. © Scottish Natural Heritage 2015. COMMISSIONED REPORT Summary Site condition monitoring for otters (Lutra lutra) in 2011-12 Commissioned Report No. 521 Project No: 12557 and 13572 Contractor: Findlay Ecology Services Ltd. Year of publication: 2015 Keywords Otter; Lutra lutra; monitoring; Special Area of Conservation. Background 44 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for which otter is a qualifying interest were surveyed during 2011 and 2012 to collect evidence to inform an assessment of the condition of each SAC. 73 sites outside the protected areas network were also surveyed. The combined data were used to look for trends in the recorded otter population in Scotland since the first survey of 1977-79. Using new thresholds for levels of occupancy, and other targets agreed with SNH for the current report, the authors assessed 34 SACs as being in favourable condition, and 10 sites were assessed to be in unfavourable condition.
  • Systematic List for 1994 Tristart Ap Rheiriallt 6 Little Ringed Plover on Islay, 16 May 1983 - the Sole Argyll Record J.C.B

    Systematic List for 1994 Tristart Ap Rheiriallt 6 Little Ringed Plover on Islay, 16 May 1983 - the Sole Argyll Record J.C.B

    The Eleventh ARGYLL BIRD REPORT with Systematic List for the year 1994 . Edited by J.C.A. Craik Assisted by T. ap Rheinallt Systematic List by T. ap Rheinallt Cover picture by L. J. Craik Published by the Argyll Bird Club (Recognised by the Inland Revenue as a charity) October 1995 (Copyright, Argyll Bird Club) 1 Argyll Bird Club The Argyll Bird Club was formed in 1985 and aims to play an active role in the promotion of ornithology and conservation in Argyll, in the District of Argyll and Bute, and in Strathclyde Region. The club has steadily built up its membership to the present level of around 170. One day-long meeting is held in the spring and another in the autumn. These include talks, scientific papers and field trips. Conferences on selected topics are also organised ociasionaliy. In 1986,the club held its first conference, a successful meeting between foresters and bird conservationists. This was followed, in 1987, by a memorable two-day conference in Oban on fish farming and the environment. The club has close contacts with other conservation groups, both locally and nationally, including the British Trust for Ornithology, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Scottish Ornithologists’Club and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The club promotes a greater interest in birds by participation in various recording schemes. Members receive four newsletters a year as well as the annual Argyll Bird Report. The report is distributed free to all members (one per family membership) and is the major publication of the club. Much of the annual subscription is used to pay for the report and newsletters.
  • Scottish Sanitary Survey Project

    Scottish Sanitary Survey Project

    Scottish Sanitary Survey Project Sanitary Survey Report Loch Leven: Upper HL 171 February 2010 Cefas SSS F0810 V2.0 210410 Report Distribution – Loch Leven: Upper Date Name Agency* Linda Galbraith Scottish Government Paul Shave Scottish Government Ewan Gillespie SEPA Douglas Sinclair SEPA Stephan Walker Scottish Water Alex Adrian Crown Estate Alan Yates Highland Council Stephen Lewis Highland Council E. and G. Salvarli Harvester** * Distribution of both draft and final reports to relevant agency personnel is undertaken by FSAS. ** Distribution of draft and final reports to harvesters is undertaken by the relevant local authority. i Cefas SSS F0810 V2.0 210410 Table of Contents 1. General Description ..................................................................................1 2. Fishery......................................................................................................2 3. Human Population ....................................................................................4 4. Sewage Discharges..................................................................................5 5. Geology and Soils.....................................................................................8 6. Land Cover ...............................................................................................9 7. Farm Animals..........................................................................................10 8. Wildlife ....................................................................................................12 9.
  • Upper Loch Linnhe

    Upper Loch Linnhe

    www.scottishanchorages.co.uk Scottish anchorages: Upper Loch Linnhe March 2013 The Corran ferry is where Lower Loch Linnhe gives way to the upper loch. The ferry is still of course very much running, providing a much quicker route to Morvern than driving all the way round Loch Eil. It also provides a rather long route from Oban to Mull via the Fishnish Ferry but this can avoid congestion on the Oban to Craignure ferry if you have not booked, and it is cheaper. Because there are not that many interesting anchorages in the loch, I suspect the few boats you do see are either local or on their way to or from the Caledonian Canal. Indeed in mid April I have sailed up and down the loch and seen not one other sail. But it is a grand place with remote mountains to the west and not so remote mountains (with some main road traffic noise and the suburbs of the not-at-all-pretty Fort William) to the east. And of course the Ben looms at the head of the loch (Ben Nevis to the non mountaineers). So nothing much has changed in the last hundred years since Frank Cowper wrote: "I don't think yachtsmen generally, if cruising in a sailing yacht, will care to go up these lochs, unless for some special reason". Camus Aiseig An awful lot of fish farm stuff in this bay but there is space to anchor. Unless you want to leap up one of the mountains sweeping down to the shore, what to see and do is basically the same as at Corran Point which is only a short walk away.
  • 7-Night Scottish Highlands Guided Walking

    7-Night Scottish Highlands Guided Walking

    7-Night Scottish Highlands Guided Walking Tour Style: Guided Walking Destinations: Scottish Highlands & Scotland Trip code: LLBOB-7 2, 5 & 6 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW Glen Coe is arguably one of the most celebrated glens in the world with its volcanic origins, and its dramatic landscapes offering breathtaking scenery – magnificent peaks, ridges and stunning seascapes. Easy walks are available, although if you’re up for the challenge we have walks designed to test your stamina and bravery where you can tackle some of Scotland's best mountains. WHAT'S INCLUDED • High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 5 days guided walking and 1 free day • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the dramatic scenery and history of the Scottish Highlands • Opportunity to climb famous summits and bag 'Munros' (mountains over 3,000ft) • Explore the dramatic glens and coastal paths seeking out the best viewpoints. • Join our friendly and knowledgeable guides who will bring this stunning landscape to life. TRIP SUITABILITY This trip is graded Activity Levels 2, 5 and Level 6. Discover the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands on our guided walks. We offer the opportunity to climb famous summits, with many 'Munros' (mountains over 3,000ft) on our itinerary. Alternatively explore the dramatic valleys and coastal paths seeking out the best viewpoints.
  • " by TUMMEL and LOCH RANNOCH and LOCHABER I Will Go . . ." This Rousing Litany of the Road to the Isles Grips the Most Blasé Southerners

    " by TUMMEL and LOCH RANNOCH and LOCHABER I Will Go . . ." This Rousing Litany of the Road to the Isles Grips the Most Blasé Southerners

    " By TUMMEL AND LOCH RANNOCH AND LOCHABER I will go . ." This rousing litany of the Road to the Isles grips the most blasé southerners. But the Caravan Club Handbook, unl this year, warned caravanners to avoid A830, its modern name, because of an eleven-mile stretch of heavy road works. The warning was jusfied but we took A830, because the advice was a challenge in itself (there was bound to be something worthwhile at the other end) and because it was included in quite a maer-of- fact way in an outline inerary. The route was requested from Robin Traill , sales manager of Thomson's whose Glenalmond we were road-tesng last summer. We asked him to nominate 1in. O.S. maps and sketch out a route which would show us as much as possible of the best Scosh scenery in the shortest me from the Falkirk works. We know Traill, he knows us: rough going is a must if the view is to be enjoyed. Robin Traill's route took us to Glen Coe, Ben Nevis, Rest and Be Thankful, the Trossachs, the Road to the Isles, innumerable lochs including Lomond and Katrine. No high speed American tourist, bent on 'doing' ~the western Highlands in three days, could ask for more. But for us the high spot was the Road to the Isles. Despite l20in. of rain there last year and peat under the road to a much greater depth than expected, the road works should be fully, or at least nearly, completed by this summer. We picked up A830 just outside Fort William, leaving Ben Nevis towering behind us.
  • Lochaber Eel Survey

    Lochaber Eel Survey

    Lochaber Eel Survey Final report 2010 Lochaber Fisheries Trust Ltd. Biologists: Diane Baum, Lucy Smith Torlundy Training Centre, Torlundy Fort William PH33 6SW 01397 703728 Funded through grants from Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland Summary This study is the first systematic survey of eel populations in Lochaber. Electrofishing was used to collect data on eel distribution and density across Lochaber between 2008 and 2010, and this was compared to incidental eel records from historical surveys (1996-2004). We found no evidence for a contraction in the distribution of eels across Lochaber. Eels were recorded in all the catchments surveyed with the exception of Morar. Eels are known to be present in Loch Morar and may simply prefer the loch habitat to tributary burns covered by this survey. Young eels were present on most catchments and estimates of eel age suggest recruitment of young eels has occurred on all but one of the catchments surveyed within the last 4 years. The oldest eel caught was estimated to be at least 28 years old, and could be over 40 years old if growth rates are low on our rivers. Eel densities tended to be higher on rivers entering the west coast (Moidart, Shiel, Inverie) than those draining into upper Loch Linnhe. This could reflect the relative ease of migration of elver to the west coast as opposed to the head of a long sea loch. We found no relationship between eel density or mean eel size and survey site characteristics, altitude and distance form the sea. Overall we found no evidence for a decline in eel distribution or abundance in Lochaber, but potential threats to the region’s eel population are discussed.
  • An Archaeological Survey for the Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland

    An Archaeological Survey for the Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland

    An Archaeological Survey for the Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland. For Hydroplan UK. June 2013. Jennifer G. Robertson MA PhD FSA Scot. MIFA Garden Cottage, Ardtornish Estate, Morvern, By Oban, Argyll, PA80 5UZ. Tel. 01967 421234. E-Mail [email protected] Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme 1. Summary. Twelve archaeological sites were recorded in a desk-based and walkover survey at the Lochan Blar Hydro Scheme, Bealach, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland. All are associated with post-medieval, agricultural activities, including remnants of the farm at Bealach, such as earthen dykes, Sites 3, 5 and 8, and parcels of rig and furrow, Sites 7, 9 and 10. Stone walls, Sites 1, 6 and 11, may represent 19th century land management and Site 4 seems to be a fragment of the old Bealach – Glenstockdale track. No scheduled ancient monuments or listed buildings were recorded in the survey area or its vicinity, The archaeological sites with grid references, impact assessments and mitigations are summarized in Table 1 in Appendix A. 2. Introduction. An archaeological survey was undertaken on behalf of Hydroplan UK at Lochan Blar, Salachan Glen, Duror, Highland (OS 1:10.000 Sheet NM95SE), prior to the proposed construction of a hydro scheme. (See Fig 1: Location Map) The survey area is situated along the Eas nan Richagan burn, a tributary of the Salachan Burn, which flows into Loch Linnhe at Dalnatrat, to the SW of Keil and Duror. Fig. 1: Location Map showing survey area, from OS Landranger 49 Oban & East Mull. (© Crown Copyright 2000. All Rights Reserved.
  • Strategic Plan North Argyll Forests

    Strategic Plan North Argyll Forests

    Land Management Plan Brief - West Region Strategic Plan: North Argyll Forests (Brecklet, Glenachulish, Duror, Bealach, Appin, Creran) Date: 20/11/19 Planning Team: Mandie Currie, Chris Tracey, Philippa McKee John Taylor, Henry Dobson, Stuart Findlay Alastair Cumming, Jeff Hancox, Franco Giannotti, Kelly McKeller, Sergey Eydelman, James Robins, Jim Mackintosh Purpose The purpose of the Strategic plan for the forests of North Argyll is: To provide an overview of the large contiguous area of forest and open hill land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) To set the development of the individual land management plans (LMP) in their wider landscape and management context To identify issues and themes that are common to several or all of the LMPs, set out the principles for managing these and where appropriate set out priorities for management between the different LMPs To prepare strategies for aspects of management that cover several or all the LMPs e.g. deer management and open habitat management Introduction Six forests in the northern part of the historic county of Argyllshire – Brecklet, Glenachullish, Duror, Bealach, Appin and Creran – comprise part of Scotland’s National Forests and Land (NFL) owned by Scottish Ministers on behalf of the Scottish people. Creran and Appin lie within Argyll and Bute, while the other forests are in the Highland Council administrative area. The six forests are linked by a large expanse of open hill ground, most of which is NFL. A strategic approach has been adopted to address the many issues in common and the various factors that impact across the entire land holding.
  • 7-Night Scottish Highlands Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

    7-Night Scottish Highlands Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

    7-night Scottish Highlands Gentle Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Gentle Walks Destinations: Scottish Highlands & Scotland Trip code: LLBEW-7 1, 2 & 3 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW Glen Coe is arguably one of the most celebrated glens in the world with its volcanic origins, and its dramatic landscapes offering breathtaking scenery – magnificent peaks, ridges and stunning seascapes. This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Scottish Highlands. Easy walks of 3-4 miles with up to 400 feet of ascent are available, although if you’d like to do something a bit more demanding walks up some of the lower hills are also included in the programme. Our medium option walks are 6 to 8 miles with up to 1000 feet of ascent whilst harder options are 8 to 10 miles with up to 2,600 feet of ascent. WHAT'S INCLUDED • High quality en-suite accommodation in our Country House • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 5 days guided walking • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands • Explore the atmospheric glens and coastal paths seeking out the best viewpoints. • Hear about the turbulent history of the highlands • Join our friendly and knowledgeable guides who will bring this stunning landscape to life TRIP SUITABILITY This trip is graded Activity Level 1, 2 and 3. This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Scottish Highlands.
  • Guide to Loch Creran, Working with Barcaldine Primary School and the Local Community

    Guide to Loch Creran, Working with Barcaldine Primary School and the Local Community

    A comprehensive guide to Loch Creran Marine Special Area of Conservation by Terry Donovan Beside Loch Cr eran On summer days we’ve watched from Creagan bridge the spinning cogs and cords of ebbing tide bedraggle kelp frond hair and then begin to peel with steady hand the loch’s bright skin. Or trailed the shore as acrobatic terns are one-hand-juggled over Rubha Garbh and selkies pass the day as common seals who mourn with soulful eyes their hobbled heels. Or had the chance to see an otter weave its silver thread of air along the burn and feel the pallid finger of the sun explore the stubble tree line of Glasdrum. But not today; today it’s autumn’s turn when sullen smirr makes paste of loch and air. A Big A heron, skelf like, spears the shore alone and eider skim the bay like mossy stones. A lotThank of people helped to make You this guide possible Special thanks go to: Shona McConnell at Argyll and Bute Council’s Marine and Coastal Development Unit for giving me the opportunity Heather Reid and support to produce this guide... also to Tim McIntyre, Julian Hill, November 2006 Jane Dodd, Clive Craik, Paddy McNicol, Andrew McIntyre, Roger and Judy Thwaites, Ronnie and Sylvia Laing, Jock and Jonquil Slorance, Helen and Ken Groom and Dee Rudiger. Additional thanks to: Barcaldine Primary School, Beppo Buchanan- Smith, Donald MacLean, Andy MacDonald, Rod and Caroline Campbell, Martin O’Hare, Newman Burberry, Margaret and David Wills, Jill Bowis, Simon Jones, John Halliday and Owen Paisley.